State Tourism Funding Sparks Community Discussion

BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday is contributing $11 million in private investment into its upgrades, along with the $3 million allocated by the State Government. Photo supplied

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Discussion has emerged online this week following the announcement of $3 million in State Government funding for the privately owned BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort.

The conversation followed comments made by Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP at the State of the Region forum held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre last Friday morning.

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The announcement outlined how part of the State Government’s $80 million Tourism Icons Investment Fund, under the Destination 2045 strategy, would be allocated within the Whitsundays region.

Speaking to an audience of approximately 200 local business owners and community leaders, Ms Camm said the funding would support upgrades and expansion at the resort.

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“This is a fantastic investment in one of the Whitsundays’ most loved family destinations, supporting a local operator to expand and enhance what they offer visitors,” Ms Camm said.  

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“By growing capacity and adding new experiences, we’re encouraging holidaymakers to stay longer, explore more of our region and invest in our local economy.”

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In addition to the $3 million State Government funding BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday are contributing a further $11 million in private investment into the project.

The project is expected to include 10 additional three-bedroom cabins, a café and restaurant, a new pool with swim-up bar, an outdoor cinema and a waterslide precinct.

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Supporters of the investment say tourism-focused funding can generate broader economic benefits for the region through increased visitation, local spending and job creation.

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Others within the community have questioned whether public funding would be better directed toward publicly accessible infrastructure projects.

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“I fully support investment into the Whitsundays and local tourism, but I struggle to understand why public money is being directed toward a privately owned business that is already extremely successful and profitable on its own,” said local Josh Leppard on Whitsunday Chat.

“I believe taxpayer funding should be focused on projects and infrastructure that genuinely benefit the wider community, not subsidising large private businesses that are already operating successfully and charging the public premium prices to use their facilities.”

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Mr Leppard also claimed Whitsunday Regional Council applied for the same funding stream to invest in infrastructure for the Airlie Beach Lagoon but was unsuccessful. This claim, however, is unconfirmed.

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BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday released a statement reaffirming the company’s best intentions.

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“BIG4 Adventure Whitsunday Resort is a Queensland family-owned and operated business that the McKinnon family has built from the ground up over more than 30 years.

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“This project is a $14 million tourism infrastructure investment, with the McKinnon family contributing $11 million privately alongside the Queensland Government’s $3 million Tourism Infrastructure Investment Fund contribution,” they stated.

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“The funding program is specifically designed to support projects that increase regional tourism capacity, encourage longer visitor stays and deliver broader economic benefits for local communities through tourism growth, construction activity and ongoing employment opportunities.

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“As proud Queenslanders, the McKinnon family are delighted to be bringing this project to life in conjunction with the Queensland Government to deliver an experience that will benefit both visitors and the local community.”

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